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Fugitive Wanted for Sex Crimes Arrested After Armed Standoff in Livingston Starbucks
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Posted by: John Looney
Fugitive Wanted for Sex Crimes Arrested After Armed Standoff in Livingston Starbucks
Livingston, MT – January 28, 2025 – A tense armed standoff at a Starbucks in Livingston, Montana, concluded without injury when 34-year-old Timothy Westervelt, a Billings resident wanted on multiple felony charges, was apprehended after several hours of negotiation. The Park County Sheriff's Office confirmed that all staff and patrons were safely evacuated before Westervelt, who had barricaded himself inside the establishment, surrendered to law enforcement. He is now held at the Park County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond. Westervelt faces charges in Yellowstone County, including two counts of sexual abuse of children under 16 and felony sexual intercourse without consent.
Discovery of Unlicensed Fugitive Recovery Activity
Shortly before his arrest, Westervelt—also known as Timothy West—attempted to gain membership with the National Association of Bail Agents on January 17, 2025. In his application, he claimed to be a fugitive recovery agent operating in Montana under the auspices of Joel Graf and Northwest Fugitive Recovery, asserting he held a Montana business license. However, a brief investigation by the association’s vetting committee quickly revealed that he lacked any proper licensing for conducting fugitive recovery work in the state.
John J. Looney, President of the Montana Bail Agents Association (MTBAA), promptly filed a formal complaint with the Montana Commissioner of Insurance regarding Westervelt’s activities. In his complaint, Looney stated:
"The applicant, Timothy West, has claimed to work for Joel Graf and Northwest Fugitive Recovery and asserted that he holds a Montana business license. However, a search of the NAIC database yielded no evidence of any valid licensing under his name or for the stated business. Given the critical importance of compliance within our industry, I urge your office to investigate whether Mr. West is operating within the legal framework."
Further complicating matters were screenshots from a conversation in which Westervelt asserted that Montana required “only a concealed carry permit and business license” for his operations—statements that directly contradict established licensing requirements for both fugitive recovery agents and bail enforcement professionals in the state. When pressed for a valid bail agent or fugitive recovery license, Westervelt provided only incorporation documents for his business, claiming, “That should be all ya need.”
Out-of-State Corporate Influence and Industry Disruption
The case of Timothy Westervelt highlights broader concerns about the influence of out-of-state bail companies on Montana’s traditionally community-based bail bond industry. Westervelt, allegedly brought into the state by a large, out-of-state corporation, represents a growing trend where nonlocal entities disrupt established practices. Investigations revealed that his credentials were entirely unverified, a situation that has raised significant alarm among local bail agents.
Local operators have noted that these corporate entities often bypass Montana’s strict regulatory framework by using unlicensed recovery agents. “These big corporations are offering zero-down bail and 5% bail rates that local mom-and-pop shops simply cannot compete with,” commented Looney. “They have not only destabilized our market but also introduced unscrupulous practices that undermine accountability and the rule of law.”
Criticism of Regulatory Oversight and the Commissioner of Insurance
A key factor exacerbating this situation has been the inadequate enforcement of licensing regulations following recent legislative changes, including House Bill 62. While the bill sought to bring both bail agents and fugitive recovery agents under the purview of the Commissioner of Insurance, its implementation has been critically flawed.
Looney has been especially critical of Commissioner Troy Downing, asserting that his office has demonstrated a profound misunderstanding of the complexities inherent in the bail and recovery industries. According to Looney, efforts by the MTBAA to clarify these issues during the legislative process were largely ignored. “This mismanagement has left local businesses struggling while large corporations operate with impunity,” he stated. The failure to enforce licensing standards not only allows unqualified individuals like Westervelt to operate but also endangers the integrity of Montana’s judicial system.
Impact on the Local Community and Law Enforcement Response
The fallout from these practices has been most severe in regions like Billings and Eastern Montana, where longstanding, locally owned bail agencies are being forced out of the market. These agencies have historically provided personalized, community-focused service and adhered to state regulations. In contrast, the rise of unlicensed and out-of-state operators threatens the stability of Montana’s bail bond ecosystem.
Community members and local officials have lauded law enforcement for the safe resolution of the Livingston standoff. However, they remain deeply concerned about the broader implications of lax regulatory oversight. Without more robust enforcement and a comprehensive review of current licensing protocols—especially by the Commissioner of Insurance—Montana risks further erosion of public trust and safety in its judicial and bail systems.